We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adrian Cantu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adrian below.
Adrian, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My journey to finding my purpose as a physical therapist wasn’t linear, but rather a series of twists and turns fueled by a deep-seated passion for the medical field and a desire to help people. From a young age, I was drawn to the world of medicine, initially captivated by the idea of caring for animals. Animals hold a special place in many hearts, and the prospect of alleviating their suffering was something I resonated with. However, the reality of veterinary medicine, particularly the euthanasia aspect, clashed with my values and sensitivities. While I admired the dedication and skill required, I knew that path wouldn’t align with my convictions.
As I matured, my passion for medicine remained, and my uncle, an orthopedic surgeon, encouraged me to follow in his footsteps. The intricacies of surgery and the potential to directly impact lives were undeniable. Eager to experience firsthand the world of surgery, I shadowed my uncle in the operating room. Witnessing the realities of surgery, including the initial lumbar puncture, proved to be a turning point. While I recognized the skill and precision involved, the clinical setting and invasive nature didn’t resonate with me.
After this realization, my uncle introduced me to one of his physical therapist friends. Observing the therapist’s interactions with patients and the positive impact they had on their lives sparked a fire within me. The holistic approach, the focus on movement and rehabilitation, and the ability to empower individuals to regain control of their physical well-being resonated deeply. This was the missing piece I had been searching for, the perfect blend of my medical aspirations and my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
So, while my path wasn’t straightforward, each experience, from early veterinary dreams to the operating room revelation, ultimately led me to discover my true calling in physical therapy. It’s a journey of self-discovery, fueled by passion, purpose, and a desire to help others move and live well.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and I help people of all ages move and live better. I do this by evaluating their condition, developing a care plan, and providing hands-on treatments and exercises. I work with people who have a variety of conditions, including pain, injuries, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. The most exciting thing about my work is seeing the progress that my patients make. I love being able to help people get back to doing the things they love, whether it’s playing with their kids, going for a run, or simply living pain-free.
Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of conditions. It’s also a great way to prevent injuries and improve your overall fitness. If you’re looking for a way to improve your health and well-being, I encourage you to talk to a physical therapist.
I am always learning new things and expanding my skills. I received my dry-needling certification this past October. I am also excited to announce that I am accepting new patients.
Here are some additional things you may want to know about physical therapy:
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who have undergone extensive training.
Physical therapy is covered by most insurance plans.
You can see a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Determination: My determination to pursue physical therapy despite being turned down twice shows incredible perseverance and resilience. This quality likely helped me overcome challenges and push through setbacks on my journey.
Advice for Early Journey Folks: Develop grit and don’t give up easily. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Be persistent in your goals and don’t let setbacks define you. Find ways to stay motivated and focused on your long-term vision.
2. Adaptability: My ability to adapt to my surroundings demonstrates flexibility and resourcefulness. This likely helped me navigate unexpected situations and adjust my approach when needed.
Advice for Early Journey Folks: Be open to new experiences and be willing to learn new things. Embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Develop problem-solving skills and learn to think creatively in the face of challenges.
3. Accountability: Taking accountability for my actions shows responsibility and maturity. This likely helped me stay on track and make progress towards my goals.
Advice for Early Journey Folks: Own your choices and take responsibility for your actions. Be proactive and take initiative. Set goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable for achieving them. Track your progress and learn from your mistakes.
Bonus Advice:
Be moldable: The advice to be moldable and take advantage of opportunities resonates with the qualities mentioned above. Being open to new experiences and willing to learn and adapt will allow you to shape your journey and make the most of every opportunity.
Put yourself out there: Stepping outside your comfort zone and connecting with others can lead to valuable experiences and personal growth. Don’t be afraid to network, build relationships, and explore new possibilities.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and the most impactful qualities will vary depending on your individual goals and circumstances. However, by focusing on developing determination, adaptability, accountability, and a moldable mindset, you can set yourself up for success in any field or endeavor.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
- Strong focus on health and well-being: They prioritize their health and are actively seeking ways to improve it. They may be interested in preventative care or managing existing conditions.
- Past negative experiences with physical therapy: They may have had a frustrating or impersonal experience with physical therapy in the past, leaving them hesitant or skeptical. They are looking for a therapist who will listen to their concerns and provide personalized care.
- Desire for a holistic approach: They value being treated as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms. They are interested in understanding the root cause of their pain or limitations and addressing it through a combination of physical therapy, education, and lifestyle changes.
- Openness to learning and engagement: They are willing to actively participate in their treatment plan and follow through with recommended exercises and lifestyle modifications. They ask questions and seek clarification when needed.
- Positive attitude and motivation: They are determined to improve their health and function, even if it means facing challenges or overcoming setbacks. They maintain a positive outlook and are motivated to reach their goals.
Here are some additional characteristics that my ideal client might have:
They are willing to commit to a treatment plan for a reasonable amount of time.
They are comfortable communicating openly and honestly with their therapist.
They are respectful of their therapist’s time and expertise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acephysioperformance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acephysperform/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acephysperform
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69456468/admin/feed/posts/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAHsZ8r0koQ-ruOoHBk0gg
Image Credits
Matthew Redden with Vitae Photography
